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Chic Outfit Ideas, from the Nicest Man in Fashion

As I mentioned yesterday on our Slaves to Fashion Twitter, Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz (a.k.a. probably the nicest, most endearing man in fashion) is currently in NYC, showing off his latest resort collection--and leaving Paris decidedly less cool, for one week at least. All smiles and one-liners, Elbaz previewed his vacation-ready collection to a few fashion folks on Monday, sharing his inspirations as well as a few priceless style tips including this total gem:

Lanvin designer Alber Elbaz, with a model at his resort show.

The shoe is the one thing that can really change an outfit.

He stated this fashion truism when a model walked out in a sky-blue wrap dress (above). "I like the silliness of the jewelry and a flat sandal with this dress," he said. And you have to admit--he's right: With a sparkly heel the outfit would look it was pulled from the Love Boat's costume closet, but with a kicky flat it looks fresh and cool.

I wouldn't normally share the "inspiration notes" behind a designer collection, but this one was too sweet not to pass onto you: Elbaz said the collection--full of "souvenirs you keep forever"--was partially inspired by his friend's gift to her about-to-be-married daughter. Wanting to give her daughter something special, his friend filled a vintage suitcase with flowers as way for her daughter to remember this sentimental journey. (Okay I know that sounds sappy, but the romantic in me--I cried during the first scene of Star Trek--loves that gift idea--don't you?)

He also revealed that come late fall, there'd be several Lanvin items around the $600 mark, including the jersey jumpsuit, below. Now, that may not seem like exciting news to those of us who would prefer to spend 600 buckaroos on 20 new items instead of just one, but the fashion high-rollers in the crowd went wild upon hearing this news. It was as if Elbaz had tucked a 3-carat diamond under everyone's seat and announced, all Oprah-style, that audience members could keep it, for free.

His suit and sneaker combo also got a few happy head nods. "This is the sneaker Michelle Obama wore and got criticized for," Elbaz said. "So this one is for her...and that DJ. What is her name? Ronson?"

Here are a few more shots from the Lanvin resort show, including this gorgeous khaki dress. (Speaking of, did you buy your Gap khaki pieces yet? I snapped up the Alexander Wang jacket first thing this morning, online.) I love the red and khaki combo. A ruffled denim mini! Who would of thought it could look so cute?